Fredrick Odhiambo, a 25-year-old farmer from Kipingi, Homa Bay Country, Kenya, graduated from Bukura Agriculture College with a certificate in Agribusiness Management. After graduation, Fredrick felt a weight of responsibility to care for his mother and young sister, but life after college wasn’t what Fredrick had imagined.
“I spent eight months searching for a job and nothing came through,” he shared. “With no options left, I joined my friends at construction sites just to make ends meet. My mother had high hopes that I’d land a job and help support my younger sister’s education, but I was barely getting by earning $3.00 a day.“
It was during this tough period that Fredrick’s neighbor, Kanoti Ayoro, who was the chairman of the local DIG group, introduced him to the organization. What started as a glimmer of hope soon turned into a life-changing opportunity. By June 2024, Fredrick graduated from the DIG program, equipped with new skills and a renewed sense of purpose.
Through DIG’s Adapted Farmer Field School, Fredrick learned valuable techniques in vegetable farming, such as bio-intensive planting, how to utilize raised beds, and ecological pest management. These weren’t just farming tips—they were tools for rebuilding his life. “DIG’s training made me realize how much time and energy I’d wasted at the construction site,” Fredrick said, reflecting on his journey. “Sarah,(Fredrick’s DIG facilitator) opened my eyes to my potential. Now, I’ve got a quarter-acre farm, and I’m earning more than $20 every four days. Before this, my family only grew sugarcane and maize, which barely covered our needs.”
When Fredrick joined DIG, he didn’t just find a viable livelihood; he became part of a supportive community. “It’s through groups like DIG that experts can easily reach us,” he explained.
“Staying connected with my group is important because I can keep learning from other farmers who are growing different vegetables. This network of farmers isn’t just about sharing techniques—it’s about building each other up.”
Fredrick Odhiambo’s plans for the future are rooted in this community spirit. He’s determined to expand his farm from a quarter-acre to a full acre and diversify his regenerative efforts by brooding one-day-old chicks from Uzima Chicken. He can selling the chicks after only one month and return a profit. “Diversifying my farm means I won’t face total losses if one crop or business doesn’t go well,” he said.
Fredrick, like so many of his DIG group members, have chosen to stay connected. It’s a testament to the importance of social cohesion, as he’s not only improving his life but also contributing to the resilience and sustainability of his group and larger community. When individuals come together, they can achieve more than they could alone. There’s real power in social cohesion.
Learn more about how DIG’s Graduations empower individuals like Fredrick and the profound impact they bring to their communities.